Atlanta Chili Cook-Off Celebrates 20 Years of Fundraising for Children

Annual event has raised over $450,000 for children's charities since 2005

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:31pm

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The Chili for the Children cook-off in Atlanta is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The annual event, which started as a small office gathering, has grown into a major fundraiser that has raised nearly half a million dollars for children's charities and nonprofits focused on children's health and education since 2005. This year's proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Georgia, helping grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters

The Chili for the Children event demonstrates the power of community-driven fundraising efforts to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. Over the past two decades, the event has evolved from a grassroots gathering to a lasting legacy of generosity, bringing together local businesses, volunteers, and attendees to support important causes for children's health and education.

The details

The 2026 Chili for the Children cook-off will take place on March 1 at Bar{n} at Dunwoody Village in Atlanta. The event features competing chili recipes from past winners, each cooking for their own chosen charity. Guests taste the entries and vote for the People's Choice award, with donations going to both Make-A-Wish Georgia and the winning team's selected cause. The event also includes live music, raffles, and a silent auction.

  • The Chili for the Children cook-off has been held annually since 2005.
  • The 2026 event will take place on March 1, 2026.

The players

Jany Brown

The founder of the Chili for the Children event, which she started as a small office gathering 20 years ago.

Make-A-Wish Georgia

The nonprofit organization that will receive the proceeds from the 2026 Chili for the Children event, helping to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Justice French

The director of development for Make-A-Wish Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“A wish can be a powerful source of hope for children and families navigating some of life's toughest moments.”

— Justice French, Director of Development, Make-A-Wish Georgia

“Even at the 20-year mark, I'm still amazed that what started as a small office gathering has grown. This milestone belongs to everyone who has shown up year after year to give back.”

— Jany Brown, Founder, Chili for the Children

What’s next

The 2026 Chili for the Children cook-off will take place on March 1, 2026 at Bar{n} at Dunwoody Village in Atlanta.

The takeaway

The Chili for the Children event has become a beloved annual tradition in Atlanta, demonstrating the power of community-driven fundraising to make a lasting impact on the lives of children. Over the past 20 years, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for children's charities, proving that a small idea can grow into a meaningful legacy of generosity and shared purpose.